Ag leader strengthens workplace program that adds social services for thousands of farm workers.
SAN JOSÉ, Costa Rica--BUSINESS WIRE--
Dole (NYSE: DOLE) today announced the signing of new public-private agreements to advance its award-winning Information and Wellbeing Centers (IWCs), a workplace-based initiative pioneered by Dole designed to deliver vital public and private services directly to the workplace, improving quality of life for agricultural workers in Costa Rica’s rural areas.
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A panel discussion was held to discuss Public-Private Partnerships among business representatives and public organizations, including the CCSS (Costa Rican Social Security System) Financial Director, Gustavo Picado (second from left).
The announcement was made during the forum “Information and Wellbeing Centers: Public-Private Partnerships that Improve Lives,” hosted by Dole Fresh Fruit. During the event, Dole signed memorandums of understanding with two key national institutions—Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS) and Banco Popular—further strengthening its commitment to inclusive development and equitable service access.
Launched in 2020, Dole’s IWC model has redefined how rural workers access healthcare, social security, education, and financial tools. By integrating these essential services directly into the workplace, IWCs eliminate major barriers such as distance, cost, and time. Currently, IWCs directly benefit over 3,300 individuals across four of Dole’s pineapple farms: Santa Fe, El Bosque, La Virgen, and Muelle, thanks to the collaboration of 38 public and private sector partners.
The new agreements with CCSS and Banco Popular—two pillars of Costa Rica’s public infrastructure—signal an expansion of the IWC network:
- CCSS (Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social): As Costa Rica’s universal public healthcare and social insurance provider, CCSS plays a central role in delivering medical and social protection across the country.
- Banco Popular: A state-owned bank with a social mission focused on financial inclusion and community development, serves working populations and grassroots enterprises across the country.
By formalizing their engagement, these institutions have committed to deepening their participation in the IWC network, advancing broader access to equitable solutions that uphold citizens’ rights and promote long-term well-being.
“This is a concrete example of how public-private partnerships can close gaps and generate real well-being,” said Rudy Amador, Regional Vice President of Social Responsibility, Sustainability, and Communications at Dole Fresh Fruit. “Inter-institutional coordination has been key to making the Information and Wellbeing Centers a powerful driver of inclusion.”
The forum convened national government leaders, business executives and international institutions to reflect on the success and scalability of the IWC model. The Aliarse Foundation, a Costa Rican NGO specializing in cross-sector partnerships, presented a case study during the event, followed by a panel discussion highlighting the social and economic benefits of collaborative development models.
In 2022, the IWC program received the Grand Prize for Social Responsibility in Action from the Costa Rican-American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM), recognizing its innovation and measurable impact.
To date, the IWC program has reached 14,947 individuals, with continued expansion planned for the years ahead. The initiative is increasingly recognized as a replicable blueprint for sustainable development.
The event concluded with a collective call to action: when the public sector, private enterprise, and civil society work together with intention, the result is a more just and connected society—one where access to essential services is not a privilege, but a right realized.
About Dole Food Company
Dole Food Company, part of Dole plc, is one of the world’s largest producers and marketers of high-quality fresh fruit and fresh vegetables. Dole is an industry leader in many of the products it sells, as well as in nutrition education. For more information, please visit www.dole.com.
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